Combined English Language and literature

A level | Edexcel

This fascinating and engaging subject challenges you to build on the analytical and creative skills that you will have already developed at GCSE, as well as bringing in a range of new and exciting areas of study. English Language and Literature offers opportunities for students to develop their own creative writing skills, producing two pieces of original writing: one piece of fiction writing and one piece of creative non-fiction. It also enables students to deepen their understanding of the ways in which language is used in a variety of contexts in speech and writing, as well as in literature. If students are fascinated by the English language in everyday life, as well as in novels, poetry, plays and non-fiction, then they will enjoy this subject.

An A Level in English Language and Literature can prepare you for a variety of opportunities in the future, including degrees in Literature, Language, and Linguistics, and diverse job roles such as copywriting, teaching and journalism. Of course, the ability to write well and analyse texts is crucial in most areas of study and employment.

Progression Opportunities

Entry Requirements

• Grade 4 in English Language • Grade 4 in English Literature

Assessment Overview

The A level in English Language and Literature will be assessed in two written examinations and two pieces of coursework as detailed below. The exams will take place at the end of the A level year; the coursework will be assessed throughout the course. Paper 1: Voices in Speech and Writing Assessment - Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 40% of A level. • Voices in Speech and Writing: An Anthology • One drama text from a prescribed list (‘A Streetcar Named Desire’). Open book – a clean copy of the prescribed drama text can be taken into the exam. Questions: • Section A – Voices in 20th- and 21st century Texts: one comparative essay question on one unseen extract selected from 20th- or 21st-century sources and one text from the anthology. • Section B – Drama Texts: one extract-based essay question on the chosen drama text. Paper 2: Varieties in Language and Literature Assessment - Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 40% of A level Questions: • Section A – Unseen Prose Non-fiction Texts: one essay question on an unseen prose non-fiction extract. The unseen extract is linked to the studied theme. • Section B – Prose Fiction and Other Genres: one comparative essay question on one prose fiction anchor text (‘The Great Gatsby’) and one other text from a theme Non-examination assessment: Investigating and Creating Texts Total of 60 marks available – 36 marks for the original writing and 24 marks for the commentaries. Students will produce two assignments: • Assignment 1 – two pieces of original writing: one piece of fiction writing and one piece of creative non-fiction writing. • Assignment 2 – one analytical commentary reflecting on their studied texts and the pieces of writing they have produced.